Introduction to Ayn Rand’s Anthem

English II - 2015

Who is Ayn Rand?

Born: February 2, 1905 City: St. Petersburg, Russia

According to a brief biography, found at the Ayn Rand Institute’s website, Ayn Rand was a Russian- American novelist, known for works such as The Fountainhead and the novella

Anthem. She studied history and philosophy at the University of Petrograd. Eventually, she left

her home in Russia for the United States.

(“Rand.”)

What’s Going on in Russia?Before Rand left Russia for the United States,

communism settled in Russia ("A Brief Biography of Ayn Rand”).

According to the Merriam-WebsterDictionary, communism is a government

system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed.

What’s Going on in Russia?Rand opposed communism

heavily. She believed in the rights of the individual,

and despised the collectivist society of

Russia. She took America as her notion of an ideal society ("A Brief

Biography of Ayn

Rand").

(“Flag.”)

What’s Going on in Russia?Rand’s hatred of collectivism in Russia iswhat inspired her novella Anthem ("A Brief

Biography of Ayn Rand").

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, collectivism refers to an emphasis on collective rather than

individual action or identity.

AnthemRand wrote Anthem in 1937,

after moving to America ("A Brief Biography of Ayn

Rand").

Anthem is a novella, meaning it is shorter and less complex than a novel,

but longer and more complicated than a

short story.

(“Anthem.”)

Anthem

Let’s talk for a minute!

How does culture affect literature?

Themes Within Anthem

There are going to be four major themes that we discuss as we read Anthem:

Collectivism

Individualism

Conformity

Equality

Themes Within Anthem

As we already discussed, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, collectivism refers to an emphasis on collective rather

than individual action or identity.

Themes Within AnthemA great example ofcollectivism would be participating on a team. When you think of the Houston Astros, you think of a

group of people, working together, for one common

purpose.(“Yankees.”)

Themes Within Anthem

We will see collectivism in Anthem, becausethe society that our main character lives in

is a collectivist society.

Themes Within Anthem

Another theme within Anthem is individualism, which is the opposite of collectivism. Individualism focuses on

individual action and identity.

Themes Within Anthem

Individuality is the theme of Lady Gaga’s “Born This

Way,” and can beillustrated by part of the

lyrics.

“I'm beautiful in my way,'Cause God makes no

mistakes.I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way. Don't hide yourself in

regret,Just love yourself and

you're set.I'm on the right track,

baby.I was born this way.”

Themes Within Anthem

Though Anthem is about a collectivist society,our main character Equality 7-2521

decides to rise against his society and claim individuality.

Themes Within Anthem

The theme of conformity is closely related tothe theme of individuality. According the the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to conform means to be similar or identical, or to be

obedient or compliant.

Themes Within Anthem

An example of conformity would

be schooluniforms.

(“Uniforms.”)

Themes Within Anthem

In Anthem, Equality 7-2521 is expected to conform to society, but he goes against

these expectations.

Themes Within Anthem

Equality is the final theme within Anthem that we will discuss. Equality occurs when

things are like (the same) in status, quality,nature, etc.

Themes Within Anthem

Let’s talk for a minute!

Does equality truly exist? Why or why not?

Themes Within Anthem

Our main character in Anthem is namedEquality 7-2521. Before even reading

this book, what might this tell us about his society? Are people in collectivist

societies truly equal?

Works Cited

"A Brief Biography of Ayn Rand." The Ayn Rand Institute. The Ayn Rand Institute, n.d. Web. 19 Oct 2011.

<http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer? pagename=about_ayn_rand_aynrand_biog raphy>.

Photographs"Rand." Photograph. jpetrie.myweb.uga.edu. Web. 19 Oct 2011.

<jpetrie.myweb.uga.edu/rand3.gif"Flag." Photograph. ushistory.org. Web. 19 Oct 2011.

<http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/images/f_1960.gif>."Anthem." Photograph. abebooks.com. Web. 19 Oct 2011.

<http://www.abebooks.com/images/books/retro-summer-reading/anthem-ayn-rand.jpg>.

"Astros." Photograph. Click2Houston. Web. 7 Oct 2015.<http://www.click2houston.com/news/george-postolos-steps-

down-as-president-and-ceo-of-houston-astros/20125836>."Uniforms." Photograph. www.proconlists.com. Web. 19 Oct 2011.

<http://www.proconlists.com/images/list/27/original/school-uniforms.jpg>.